1) Author Bio and Contact Information
Hi, my name is E.L. Pierce. I’ve wanted to be an author since I was seven, am a Gryffindor/Slytherin and own more books than I can carry. I’m your average college-graduate with a full-time job as an English Teacher who writes books on the side and waits for her Hogwarts letter. Currently, I reside in Texas smack in the middle of the country and the city, I’m the author of “Forces and the Malachite Stone,” a middle-grade fantasy novel and “A Familiar Face,” short-story collection. I also love to illustrate, make various crafts and travel in planes; take-off is the best.
Contact me at:
Email: pierce.write@gmail.com / Twitter:@penitpierce / YouTube: Author E.L. Pierce
2) About “Forces”
“Forces and the Malachite Stone” is a middle-grade book written for children ages 9-12. Of course, anyone older can still enjoy it, too. It’s themes deal with rejecting labeling as well as fighting for what truly matters in the face of difficulty. “Forces” is one of the few juvenile fantasy books in the indie market, and I hope to inspire many more of the like to share with younger audiences.
3) Author Q&A
How did you become involved with the subject or theme of your book?
Believe it or not, the theme stemmed from watching “Charmed.” I loved the idea of Cole who was a demon and hated because of who he was. He couldn’t be trusted, and ultimately, was losing out on love because of this. As a result, Ki’s character emerged.
Why did you choose to write in your particular field or genre? If you write more than one, how do you balance them?
I love writing fantasy, just as I love reading fantasy. My favorite book is Harry Potter, and I love children’s books with fairies and trolls. I think this love stemmed from my 2nd grade class when we’d sit on bing-bags and read.
I write both fantasy and realistic-fiction. The fantasy elements truly spark and tickle my fancy, while real-life issues strongly resonate with me and can be therapeutic, as well as enjoyable. Mainly, I focus on writing one story at a time. If I’m revising a fantasy, I’ll likely write on the contemporary, and vice versa. That way it’s evened out with one difficult task, and one less difficult task.
Where did your love of books/storytelling/reading/writing/etc. come from?
I firmly believe it was 2nd grade with stories like “Princess and the Pea,” “Teeny Tiny,” as well as other witch stories with trolls, etc. Think classic “Hansel and Gretel.”
How long have you been writing?
I was writing when I was seven. I had written two chapters of a book (which were like two pages long) and had brainstormed ideas for another story. I always loved writing, and wrote a few small things sparsely throughout high school, and was always disappointed when they told us there would be writing, but no creative writing. I started seriously writing right before I turned twenty and have been doing so ever since. Starting from there, it’s been nine years.
What kind(s) of writing do you do?
Fantasy (middle-grade and young adult), realistic-fiction (young adult) and short stories (young adult). I have written many short, faith-based essays.
What cultural value do you see in writing/reading/storytelling/etc.?
It teaches us about others. Like the saying goes: If you don’t read, you only live one life. If you read, you live many.
What was the hardest part of writing this book?
The ending. Plot-wise, and letting go of the story.
What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
Living in my own, fantastical world tailored just for me.
What inspires you?
Believe it or not, seeing other’s books on shelves. Actually, it makes my heart ache with yearning. I yearn to write full-time and consume books. I also love listening to epic scores, as well as just reading an old-time favorite.
What did you find most useful in learning to write? What was least useful or most destructive?
The public library and internet with it’s many resources for authors, as well as the craft of writing. You must research. But you can’t take everything and live it to a t. Everyone’s advice varies, except for the saying: read a lot, and write a lot, and you have to find what works for you. Mainly, be persistent in your desire.
Are you a full-time or part-time writer? How does that affect your writing?
I am a part-time writer who wants to do it full-time. It has affected me greatly in that it has taken a lot of valuable writing time away. I’m not someone who likes to work for the sake of working, but for the sake of accomplishing what I love. That to me, is work that I love to do.
How do you find or make time to write?
Anytime I have a spare five or ten minutes, my brain is book-minded. Whether I’m writing, on social media, or researching, it means a lot to me, and I’ve learned that if I ever want to get anywhere, I have to persistently work at it. Now I’m just trying to make up for lost time while making the most of the present.
What projects are you working on at the present?
“Forces and the Summoned Equal,” book 2 in the middle-grade trilogy, as well as “A Familiar Face,” short-story collection and “The Thread that Keeps Me,” young adult realistic fiction. I have many more in my arsenal after those.
4) Sample Writing
Under each book page of my website, you will find writing samples of my work.
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